Expansion of Chinese operations through establishment of JV with Chongqing Brewery and Chongqing Light Textile Holdings

8/1/2011 16:15

In 2010, the Carlsberg Group increased its ownership in Chongqing Brewery Co. Ltd ("CBC") and became the largest shareholder in CBC. At the time of the transaction, the Carlsberg Group expressed its continued interest in expanding its Chinese operations and further strengthen its cooperation with CBC and CBC's other main shareholder, Chongqing Light Textile Holdings (Group) Co., Ltd. ("CLT"). The Carlsberg Group has had a very constructive cooperation with CBC and CLT since 2008 when the Carlsberg Group initially acquired an ownership in CBC.

CLT, the Carlsberg Group and CBC have today entered into an agreement with the view to further expanding the cooperation with CBC and CLT in China through the establishment of the joint venture, Chongqing Xinghui Investment Co., Ltd ("CXI"), as CBC today informed the Shanghai Stock Exchange. CBC will own 51.42% of the joint venture, CLT 18.58% and the Carlsberg Group will own 30%.

CXI will operate 12 breweries in China located in the provinces of Chongqing, Sichuan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Hunan. CBC will contribute to the joint venture its ownership of five breweries, CLT will contribute its ownership of seven breweries and the Carlsberg Group will make a cash contribution of approximately RMB 200m (approximately DKK 160m).

The transaction is conditional upon a number of steps and approvals by authorities and minority shareholders.

Chongqing Brewery Co. Ltd facts

CBC is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The Carlsberg Group and Chongqing Beer (Group) Co., Ltd. are the two largest shareholders owning 29.71% and 20% respectively. CLT is the sole shareholder of Chongqing Beer (Group) Co., Ltd.

CBC operates 16 breweries in Chongqing and the surrounding provinces of Sichuan, Hunan, Anhui and Zhejiang. After completion of the announced transaction, CBC will operate 11 breweries directly and have a 51% ownership in Chongqing Xinghui Investment Co.

In addition to the brewery activities, CBC owns 85% in a biotech business, Chongqing Jiachen Biotech Co., Ltd, which is engaged in biopharmaceutical research, development and production. The company is currently carrying out a phase II study for its hepatitis B vaccine.